Early professional career

1998 - 2001

He played for Franca Basquetebol Clube in the city of Franca, São Paulo State. Franca is most known as the "Brazilian Basketball's capital", one of the most traditional Brazilian basketball teams. His skills improved, and he was signed by FC Barcelona, Spain.

2001-2002

Varejão appeared in two regular season Liga ACB games for FC Barcelona Bàsquet and scored four total points.
Varejão also played in nine Euroleague games for FC Barcelona. In three regular season games Varejão averaged 2.3 points and 2.3 rebounds. In six "Top 16" playoff games, he averaged 5.8 points and 4.8 rebounds, including a season high 10 points against Benetton Treviso.

2002-2003

Varejão appeared in four regular season Liga ACB games for FC Barcelona. He averaged 8.3 points and 1.5 rebounds per game. While Varejão did not play in the Liga ACB playoffs that year, FC Barcelona, led by Juan Carlos Navarro, Sarunas Jasikevicius, and Dejan Bodiroga, won the Liga ACB championship.
Varejão also played in 22 Euroleague games (starting one), helping FC Barcelona to their first ever Euroleague Championship. Varejão averaged 4.1 points and 3.2 rebounds per game, including a season high 17 points against Benetton Treviso. He later scored one point in the Euroleague Championship Game against Benetton Treviso.

2003-2004

Varejão appeared in 27 regular season Liga ACB games for FC Barcelona. He averaged 7.5 points and 4.4 rebounds per game. Varejão once again did not play in the playoffs that year, but FC Barcelona, led by Navarro and Bodiroga, won its second straight Liga ACB championship.
Varejão also played in 18 Euroleague games for FC Barcelona. In 13 regular season games Varejão averaged averaged 8.8 points and 5.2 rebounds, including a season high 17 points against Ulker Istanbul. In five "Top 16" playoff games, he averaged 5 points and 4.8 rebounds.